FRANKFURT, May 15 Reuters Germany39;s Allianz posted a betterthanexpected 22 rise in firstquarter net profit, helped by strength in its property and casualty insurance business, the company said on Wednesday.

Net profit attributable to shareholders of 2.475 billion euros 2.68 billion in the three months through March compares with profit of 2.032 billion euros a year earlier. The figure surpassed a 2.353 billion euro consensus forecast.

Allianz confirmed its aim of 2024 operating profit of between 13.8 billion euros and 15.8 billion euros.

It said its propertycasualty business benefited from higher prices, relatively benign claims from natural catastrophes and higher investment income.

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Reporting by Tom Sims and Alexander Huebner, Editing by Rachel More

Source Reuters